Journeys Spring 2018

Journeys SPRI N G 201 8

COV ER S TORY

With You Every Step of the Way

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dvanced Treatment for Early Stage A Breast Cancer n A Journey of Healing n

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Accreditations The Nassif Community Cancer Center and its partners meet the highest accreditation standards for cancer care.

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Quality Cancer Care: Recognizing Excellence

Copyright ÂŽ 2018 UnityPoint Health. All Rights Reserved. ÂŽ SM trademarks of UnityPoint Health.

Journeys Contents 4

dvanced Treatment for A Early Stage Breast Cancer

6 Harnessing Genes to Steer Treatment 8 With You Every Step of the Way 10 Second Opinion Leads to St. Luke’s 12 What Women Need to Know About Breast Density 14 A Journey of Healing 16 Coordinating the Battle Against Colon Cancer

Surrounding you with care and compassion At the heart of the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center’s mission to provide exceptional care that places you at the center of all we do is our commitment to care coordination.

Newly diagnosed patients are often overwhelmed to learn the fight against cancer draws on the expertise of multiple specialists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses and support personnel. Our care coordinators help patients navigate this army of resources from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship.

In this issue you’ll hear from patients whose lives are made easier by the Nassif Community Cancer Center. Patients like Mark Kerslake, a Lisbon farmer whose care coordinator schedules Mark’s tests and doctor’s appointments for the same day to cut down on his trips to Cedar Rapids.

18 Lung Care Clinic – Saving Her Life

You’ll also meet a courageous young woman who touched the hearts of everyone in our Nassif Community Cancer Center family. Maria Parbs lost her battle with cancer in March 2018, but throughout her journey our circle of coordinated care surrounded and supported Maria and her loved ones.

ON OUR COVER: Mark Kerslake, a Lisbon farmer whose care coordinator schedules Mark’s tests and doctor’s appointments for the same day to cut down on his trips to Cedar Rapids. Read more on page 8.

Fighting cancer is not easy. But Nassif Community Cancer Center is dedicated to winning this battle. Together with our physician partners we’re using genetic testing to identify new treatment options for some patients. Advances in imaging at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health are also improving early detection for women with dense breast tissue.

Like a community, we come together to help cancer patients and their families. I invite you to find out more by visiting our new website at communitycancercenter.org.

Kimberly Ivester, MS, BSN, RN, OCN

Administrative Director, Nassif Community Cancer Center Director, Cancer Care, UnityPoint Health® – St. Luke’s Hospital

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Advanced Treatment for Early Stage Breast Cancer

Innovative IOeRT combines surgery and radiation for faster, convenient, more precise treatment Sharon McCarville admits she had put off getting her mammogram. A self-described “very retired” nurse with three children, two grandkids and a grand-dog named Emma, McCarville, 77, keeps busy overseeing her mini-farm filled with everything from angora goats to peacocks.

“I didn’t have symptoms, but something told me I should get a mammogram,” McCarville recalls. “It turns out I had stage one breast cancer. I’m really grateful they found it.”

Sharon McCarville was diagnosed a few days after Christmas 2017. One month later she underwent an innovative treatment at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital called electron-based intraoperative radiation therapy or IOeRT. This advanced treatment option for early stage breast cancer is available in Cedar Rapids only at St. Luke’s Cancer Care.

Kerri Nowell, MD, surgeon with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa

IOeRT combines surgery with an initial concentrated dose of radiation precisely focused on the area where most breast cancers recur. It’s performed at St. Luke’s during lumpectomy surgery for early cancers like McCarville’s.

Radiation can damage the skin but IOeRT spares the skin.” Dr. Nowell adds, “In one procedure, women can have a cancer operation, receive radiation directly to the tumor bed and maintain optimal appearance.”

Her surgeon, Dr. Kerri Nowell of Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, explains, “We deliver a concentrated dose of radiation in a shortened period during the actual surgery.

In addition, because IOeRT allows higher effective doses of radiation compared with conventional radiation therapy, in two minutes or less, patients

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can receive radiation similar to the “boost” given during five to seven treatments of conventional therapy.

Cancer survivor Sharon McCarville

“It’s been very easy compared to what I expected,” says McCarville. “They gave me radiation while I was under anesthesia during the surgery. Otherwise I’d have several weeks of daily treatments.”

McCarville’s care team, which includes Dr. Bobby Koneru, medical director for St. Luke’s Radiation Center, and Dr. Rasa Buntinas, medical oncologist with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, will continue to monitor her progress. McCarville says she’s very impressed with the care she’s received at St. Luke’s and the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center.

“Initially I wanted to go to Iowa City, but then I realized everything I need is right here,” she explains. “My doctors are wonderful and everyone has been absolutely knowledgeable, kind and gracious. If I have questions, they’re very forthcoming with me. They also bent over backwards to make sure I was on the right path emotionally, so I never had a chance to get super scared. Everyone I encountered has been so upbeat and that really makes a difference.”

McCarville adds, “I’m grateful for all the help and support I received from the people at the Cancer Center. I know if I need anything, I can just pick up the phone or email them. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

If you have early stage breast cancer and your breast can be preserved with limited surgery and targeted radiation, you may be a candidate for IOeRT. Call (319) 369-7216 for a one-on-one, same-day consultation with our care coordinator.

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Harnessing genes to steer treatment New medications offer hope for patients with BRCA-related ovarian and metastatic breast cancer

Julie Thompson, nurse practitioner at the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetic Clinic

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Julie Thompson is excited to be on the cutting edge of medicine when it comes to cancer.

Thompson, a genetics nurse practitioner with Nassif Community Cancer Center, says her field is opening the door to new treatment options for some patients. “In the past, genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndrome was done not so much for the patient, but for family members so they would know if they were at increased risk.

Now new studies are showing promise in treating some cancers that have a hereditary genetic mutation. By identifying these mutations, we can actually help steer treatment.”

Thompson cites a new class of drug recently approved by the FDA for use in some types of metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body) and all types of ovarian cancer.

“What’s exciting is this class of drug seems to work best for patients who have the hereditary BRCA genetic mutation,” says Thompson. “It’s an example of how genetic testing is helping determine treatment.”

The goal for these drugs, known as PARP inhibitors, is to slow the disease and help maintain a patient’s quality of life. “It’s not a cure,” Thompson explains. “But if we can give the patient a slower progression, and provide a better quality of life during that time, it’s a great thing.

We want to use everything in our tool kit to help these patients live as normal of a life as possible.”

With the approval of PARP inhibitors, the Nassif Community Cancer Center Cancer Risk

Assessment and Genetic Clinic recommends a hereditary genetic evaluation for patients with metastatic breast cancer, regardless of age or family history. Testing is also recommended for any woman with ovarian cancer. In most cases, testing is covered by insurance.

“We want to use everything in our tool kit to help these patients live as normal of a life as possible.”

– Julie Thompson

Genetic testing at Nassif Community Cancer Center includes taking a thorough family history and explaining the benefits and risks of testing.

“I have to stress these medications are not beneficial for everyone,” says Thompson.

“It’s important to talk to your doctor to see if genetic testing is right for you.” Women who were diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer several years ago and are no longer under the care of an oncologist can self-refer for genetic testing.

Thompson adds, “I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding how our genes will help direct cancer treatment. Our understanding of genetics is expanding rapidly. It’s wonderful that we can use genetic testing to help not just family members but patients as well.”

To schedule an appointment to discuss your cancer risk with one of our genetic nurse practitioners, call (319) 558-4876.

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With You

Every Step of the Way

Coordinated care is the hallmark of Nassif Community Cancer Center Mark Kerslake is glad he didn’t have to face cancer alone. “There were so many steps to go through,” the 47-year-old Lisbon man recalls. “I had no idea who to see or what to do.”

Fortunately for Kerslake, his doctors and support team at Nassif Community Cancer Center were with him all the way. As he says, “I never felt like I was on my own. I got everything I needed, right from the get-go.”

Kerslake was already juggling raising crops and livestock on his family’s certified organic farm, working for General Mills and spending time with his wife and kids.

When he discovered blood in his stool in January 2017, he shrugged it off. “I’m like a lot of guys,” he admits.

“When we have a health problem, we rationalize it’s not a big deal.” But when the bloody stool persisted, Kerslake decided to have it checked out. “I went to my doctor and she recommended a colonoscopy. That’s how the whole process started.”

The colonoscopy revealed late stage two rectal cancer.

Dr. Bhavya Akhauri, St. Luke’s gastroenterologist, immediately referred Kerslake to Connie Dietiker, care coordinator with Nassif Community Cancer Center.

“The first time Connie called, she’d already set up appointments with the doctors I needed to see,” says Kerslake. “She made the process simpler by taking all that out of my hands.”

Drs. Vera Nigrin, radiation oncologist with St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center; James Renz, surgeon with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa and William Fusselman, medical oncologist with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa.

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Kerslake underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy. Next came radiation treatment at St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center. Kerslake says his physician team—Drs. William Fusselman (medical oncologist), James Renz (surgeon) and Dr. Vera Nigrin (radiation oncologist)—worked closely together on his care. “You always knew they knew who you were and why you were there,” explains Kerslake. “My doctors all took the time to walk me through what was going on and what to expect at each step.”

Mark Kerslake on his farm in Lisbon.

Kerslake also appreciated Dietiker’s coordination of appointments and treatments. He says, “Fall was coming and we were getting ready for harvest, so not having to worry about running into town all the time was hugely important.” Dietiker scheduled appointments with multiple providers for the same day to cut down on Kerslake’s trips to Cedar Rapids. When he required daily radiation therapy, she arranged for him to receive treatment in the morning before going to work. She also supported him with information on everything from diet to how to cope with side effects.

“The care I received was phenomenal,” recalls Kerslake. “I wasn’t just one more person walking through the door. They really cared about me.”

“From the start, I never considered the possibility that this wasn’t going to be cured,” Kerslake adds. “I’m at about 70 percent now, but I have cows to feed in the morning, so I get up and get going every day. I said we’re going to fix this and we are.”

Nassif Community Cancer Center surrounds you with coordinated care

that pulls together the physicians, services and other resources you need. Visit communitycancercenter.org/clinical/programs to learn more about the importance of colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy.

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Rick Gile with tractors he welds

Second Opinion Leads to St. Luke’s Brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer When Rick Gile was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, he had some decisions to make.

“My doctor recommended active surveillance, but I wanted a second opinion,” says Gile, 64, of Dubuque.

“I knew people who had seen Dr. Rippentrop in Cedar Rapids. From the start, I was really impressed with the doctors and the clinic.”

Dr. Jonathan Rippentrop, urologist with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI), performed more extensive testing on Gile.

“My results and a family history of prostate cancer put 10 Journeys | Spring 2018

me at a higher risk,” Gile recalls. “Fortunately they caught my cancer early. Early detection and other factors made me a candidate for brachytherapy.”

For men like Gile who meet specific criteria, brachytherapy is a minimally invasive treatment alternative that offers good cancer control.

Dr. Rippentrop’s colleague, Dr. Thomas Richardson, has been treating prostate cancer with brachytherapy for 20 years. He explains, “With brachytherapy, we implant radioactive seeds in the prostate gland. The radiation

energy destroys the cancer cells, with very little radiation effect on surrounding tissue. The seeds are implanted without a surgical incision and the patient goes home the same day.”

Dr. Richardson adds, “We typically spend 40 to 60 minutes going over treatment options with patients.

We educate them about the different treatments appropriate for them and let the patient decide. ”

Gile quickly decided brachytherapy was right for him. “As a widower living by myself, the least invasive option meant I wouldn’t need as much help at home.

Brachytherapy has fewer side effects, too.”

Rick Gile is glad he chose brachytherapy—and glad he chose PCI and St. Luke’s Radiation Center for his care. “They really go out of their way for you.

Because I live in Dubuque, they made things easy by scheduling my appointments with different doctors all on the same day.”

Gile’s cancer was treated by Drs. Richardson and radiation oncologist Bobby Koneru at St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center. The seeds are implanted in precise locations guided by an ultrasound probe and a computer plan designed specifically for the size of each patient’s prostate. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

“They put you under so you don’t feel anything,” says Gile. “The next day I was up and around. My daughter and I even went out to lunch!”

Dr. Richardson agrees recovery is usually very quick, with patients back to normal activities within days.

And while surgical removal of the prostate can lead to stress incontinence, he says there is little risk of that with brachytherapy.

“Brachytherapy can be very effective for suitable patients while minimizing side effects,” says Dr. Richardson.

“We’re proud to offer this treatment option at St. Luke’s Radiation Center.”

A second opinion can help you fully

explore treatment options so you can feel confident about the decisions you’re making.

Call Nassif Community Cancer Center at (319) 558-4876 to connect with experienced doctors, surgeons and other cancer experts who collaborate with us in the fight against cancer.

Drs. Bobby Koneru, radiation oncologist at St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center, Thomas Richardson and Jonathan Rippentrop, both urologists with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa.

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What Women Need to Know About Breast Density For the 40 percent of women with dense breast tissue, a mammogram alone may not be enough Jodi Morrow found the lump when she was taking a shower. “It was a couple of months after I had my annual mammogram,” she recalls. “They think it wasn’t picked up by the mammogram because I have very dense breasts.”

Morrow is fortunate. Her cancer was caught early, and today she has been a breast cancer survivor for seven years. But her story is not unusual. As many as four out of 10 women have breast tissue that is considered dense.

For those women, mammograms alone may not be enough to find breast cancer.

“Dense tissue appears white on mammograms,” explains Kimberly Ivester, Nassif Community Cancer Center administrative director. “Lumps, whether they are benign or cancerous, also appear white.

That makes it harder to identify abnormalities with a mammogram alone.”

UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health offers 3-D mammography—the most advanced form of mammography for routine exams—at three locations.

In addition to the PCI Medical Pavilion and St. Luke’s Marion Campus, 3-D mammography is now available at UnityPoint Clinic – Westdale at 4325 Williams Blvd. in Cedar Rapids.

Jodi Morrow, breast cancer survivor

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“By offering the most advanced breast screening option at our Westdale Campus, we make it convenient for women to get their mammogram on the same day, at the

same location where they go for their annual wellness checks,” says Ivester.

And for women with dense breasts, St. Luke’s has added automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) at their PCI Medical Pavilion location. This breast cancer screening technology uses light compression with sound waves to create 3-D images that allow the radiologist to detect changes, even with dense breast tissue.

“We’re excited to be one of the first in the area to offer this new technology,” says Ivester. “We encourage a woman who has dense breasts to talk to her provider about the value of additional screening. Together they can decide whether it’s right for her based on her mammogram results, individual risk factors and physical examination.” In addition to ABUS, other screening options available at St. Luke’s include molecular breast imaging (MBI) and breast MRI. Under a new Iowa state law that went into effect January 1, 2018, women will be notified if they have dense breast tissue when they receive their mammogram results.

The notification includes a recommendation to talk to their provider about additional screening options.

Ivester adds, “A woman with dense breasts should still get a mammogram. Many cancers are seen on mammograms even if you have dense breast tissue. With ABUS, we have a new option for those women who need additional screening.”

Breast and Bone Health Westdale Campus Now Open St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health offers advanced 3-D digital mammography at three convenient locations, including our newest mammography center at UnityPoint Clinic – Westdale Campus.

All Breast and Bone Health locations also offer walk-in service, making it easier than ever to get your mammogram. All you need is a doctor’s order. Walk-in mammograms are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call (319) 369-7216 for more information.

Westdale Campus

4325 Williams Blvd. SW Cedar Rapids

Marion Campus To schedule your annual mammogram,

contact St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health at (319) 369-7216.

2996 7th Avenue, Suite A Marion

PCI Medical Pavilion

202 10th St. SE, Suite 265 Cedar Rapids

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A Journey of

Healing Surrounding the patient and family with care wherever the road leads

Maria Parbs’ cancer journey has not been an easy one.

Parbs, a NICU nurse at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, was just 31 when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. As doctors pursued therapies to slow its progression, her disease continued to spread. Along the way, Parbs has been surrounded by the love of family, friends and her support team at the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center.

The journey began on Christmas Eve 2015. Parbs rolled over in bed and felt a painful lump in her breast. Twelve days later she learned the golf ball-sized tumor was cancer that had already invaded her lymph nodes. Mona Cook, breast care coordinator with Nassif Community Cancer Center, reached out to Parbs right away.

“Mona sat down with my parents and me and went over my treatment plan,” recalls Parbs. “She explained my type of cancer, talked about side effects and discussed surgery types, radiation and sexuality. She continues to be a resource and support person I can contact at any time.”

Cook explains, “In the beginning my job is to help patients get past the deer-in-the-headlights look. I help them feel more comfortable talking about their disease so when they meet with the oncologist and surgeon they can really focus on what the doctors have to say.”

Cook also connected Parbs with the many resources available through Nassif Community Cancer Center.

“I had genetic testing and learned ways to maintain weight

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during treatment as well as exercises and stretches I could do at home,” says Parbs. “I see social worker Nancy Yeisley frequently. She checks in on my mental health and talks about my life outside of cancer treatment.”

The Center’s resources extend to Parbs’ family. Her mother especially liked the Caregivers Retreat—a free event that shares ways to deal with the stress of caring for a loved one. “I enjoyed meeting other caregivers,” says Shelley Parbs. “It helped to know I’m not alone in this.” She adds, “I appreciate how knowledgeable and caring everyone at the cancer center is. When they get emotional along with me, it really makes me feel like we are fighting this cancer together.”

As Maria Parbs’ disease has progressed, her support team at Nassif Community Cancer Center continues to grow. She says, “Brook Sternberg from palliative care has been excellent at finding medications to manage my pain. She is really focused on my quality of life.”

At Christmas the team arranged for Parbs to receive a phone call from her favorite Chicago Cubs player, Anthony Rizzo. Social worker Yeisley also connected Parbs with the Dream Foundation, a national organization that provides “dream” trips for terminally ill adults. Parbs was thrilled to learn she and her mom were going on an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World.

Parbs says, “The cancer center is an amazing group of people. Doctors, surgeons, nurses, social workers, care coordinators, dietitians, exercise specialists and

Above: Maria and Shelley Parbs Right: Maria receives a trip to Disney World from Dream Foundation. palliative care specialists all collaborate to provide the best care for me. They treat the whole person and offer me support and encouraging words.”

Maria Parbs’ journey has not led where everyone hoped it would. Surrounded by her loving circle of family and friends, including her team from Nassif Community Cancer Center, Parbs and the dedicated caregivers who have accompanied her are now teaching one another how to let go.

“We haven’t cured Maria but we are helping her heal in another way, so she can have a death that is peaceful and on her own terms,” says care coordinator Mona Cook. “She has so much strength, she has been an inspiration to all of us. Maria is truly one of those people who is an angel on earth.”

Though Maria lost her cancer battle in March 2018, her life continues to inspire everyone she touched.

The Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center provides resources to help

patients and families navigate their cancer journey. For information on our patient-centered approach to cancer care, call (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org.

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Connie Dietiker, RN, care coordinator, with Kellie Lindblom, colon cancer survivor

Coordinating the Battle Against Colon Cancer Care coordinator helps patient get the services and support she needs “I was at work in February 2017 when my doctor called to say I had colon cancer,” says Kellie Lindblom, assistant vice president with Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. “My co-workers heard me gasp. Everything was a whirlwind after that. I don’t even remember driving home.”

What Lindblom does remember is the next phone call she received. It was Connie Dietiker, care coordinator with Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center.

“Connie was very calming,” Lindblom recalls. “She said ‘we are going to help you through this.’”

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Doctors generally recommend regular colon cancer screenings begin at age 50, but Lindblom was only 48 when she began experiencing a variety of symptoms.

She explains, “I was losing weight because I couldn’t keep anything in me, I was so weak I couldn’t make it to work at times and I had blood in my stool. My doctor referred me to a gastroenterologist and they found the cancer during a colonoscopy.”

Dietiker moved quickly to connect Lindblom with doctors and services. Lindblom chose Dr. Kerri Nowell

and UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s for her surgery. “I had my daughter at St. Luke’s and Dr. Nowell is one of the top robotic surgeons. She removed part of my colon as well as several lymph nodes. Because tests showed cancer in the lymph nodes, I needed chemotherapy. Connie coordinated that for me, too.”

Lindblom’s oncologist, Dr. Bharat Jenigiri of Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) Hematology/Oncology, is located just below the Nassif Community Cancer Center in the PCI Medical Pavilion. Says Lindblom, “Dr. Jenigiri and his team are phenomenal. And it’s fabulous to have everything in one place.”

Meanwhile, oncology social worker Nancy Yeisley helped Lindblom with one of her toughest challenges: breaking the news to her daughter. “Jasmyne is a student at Wartburg College,” explains Lindblom. “My first thought was how was I going to tell her. Nancy gave me ideas on how to approach it and helped me with what to say.”

Because some colon cancers have a genetic component, Dietiker referred Lindblom to the Nassif Community Cancer Center’s Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetic Clinic. Lindblom and her siblings underwent testing to see if they or their children were at increased risk.

Lindblom also met with Nassif Community Cancer Center dietitians and made use of the wellness center.

“We have a workout facility at the bank but it felt better to be at the Cancer Center,” she says. “People there were in the same boat I was.”

Lindblom adds, “Last year was horrible but God had a plan. It was very humbling to see all the people who were there for me when I’m used to being there for them.”

She counts her care coordinator among those who helped her through it. “Connie took care of everything so I didn’t have to think about it. I’m still dealing with the physical and emotional effects of my cancer, but I know I can call her anytime and she’ll reassure me.”

Colorectal cancer is the third most

common cancer for both men and women.

Getting routine colonoscopies starting at age 50 can detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. It can even find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. For more information talk to your primary care provider.

Drs. Bharat Jenigiri, oncologist with of Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa and Kerri Nowell, surgeon with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa and Nancy Yeisley, social worker with Nassif Community Cancer Center.

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Karl Holmes, certified physician assistant at UnityPoint Health Family Medicine – Belle Plaine with Arlene Ledger, lung cancer survivor and nurse Maria Cernin,.

Saving her life St. Luke’s Lung Check catches Belle Plaine woman’s lung cancer at its earliest stage Arlene Ledger wasn’t interested in getting screened for lung cancer. After all, the retired nurse didn’t have any symptoms despite a lifetime of smoking. But her health care provider wouldn’t let up.

Ledger sees Karl Holmes, certified physician assistant at UnityPoint Health Family Medicine – Belle Plaine. “Karl was adamant. He said after 50 years of smoking, it was time I got checked. He kept after me until I said OK.” Ledger came to UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s for a Lung Check. This non-invasive screening tool uses a low-dose CT scan to provide detailed,

18 Journeys | Spring 2018

three-dimensional images of the lungs to find cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. In Ledger’s case, a nodule was detected and she was referred to the Lung Care Clinic at Nassif Community Cancer Center.

“If a lung nodule is found, the patient is referred to us for follow-up,” explains Connie Dietiker, nurse coordinator with the Lung Care Clinic. “Our pulmonary physicians review the test results, meet with the patient and recommend next steps.”

The Lung Care Clinic brings together pulmonologists, surgeons, medical oncologists,

radiation oncologists and radiologists to provide the highest level of care in lung cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. The doctors meet weekly to review lung cancer cases and share their expertise to determine the right treatment plan for each patient.

When additional tests determined Ledger had early-stage lung cancer, Dietiker says, “I got going right away. My job is to schedule appointments with specialists and coordinate any tests that need to be done. By scheduling tests and follow-up with the doctor on the same day, we make it easier for the patient and less stressful, too. They don’t have a long wait for test results and they don’t have to make multiple trips.” Because Ledger was going to have surgery, Dietiker also scheduled a meeting with the Center’s exercise specialist, Matt Schmitz. “Matt gives patients exercises to work on before surgery. It helps with their recovery.”

In October 2016, Dr. James Levett of Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Surgical Specialists removed part of Ledger’s right lung. No follow-up radiation therapy or chemotherapy was required. “Because we caught my cancer early, I didn’t need those things,” says Ledger. “We got it taken care of and I feel very fortunate.”

Today, Ledger receives follow-up care at the Lung Care Clinic from her pulmonologist, Dr. Vijaya Gogineni with UnityPoint Clinic Multi-Specialty. “They’re keeping good track of me,” says Ledger. “I am very thankful. And the best part is I quit smoking! The cancer was a good reason for me to quit and I’m proof it can be done.”

She adds, “At first I was angry at Karl for talking me into all this. Then Dr. Levett said next time I see Karl I need to give him a big hug. Karl Holmes saved my life!”

If you’re a current smoker or you

quit smoking within the last 15 years, call (319) 558-4876 to find out if St. Luke’s Lung Check is right for you.

Drs. James Levett, cardiothoracic surgeon, with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa and Vijaya Gogineni, pulmonologist, with UnityPoint Clinic - Multi-Specialty.

UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Lung Check St. Luke’s Lung Check is recommended for men or women between the ages of 55 and 77 who have smoked at least one pack a day for 30 years or more, or two packs per day for at least 15 years. In most cases the cost is covered by insurance.

If you’re a current smoker or you quit smoking within the last 15 years, call (319) 558-4876 to find out if St. Luke’s Lung Check program is right for you.

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202 10 th Street SE, Suite 285 | Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 communitycancercenter.org

Connect with us at communitycancercenter.org

Honoring Someone Near and Dear “Casual for a Cause” day helps local business celebrate co-worker and cancer survivor On February 2, 2017, Kellie Lindblom was at work when she learned she had colon cancer. One month later, her friends and co-workers at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (CRBT) recognized National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with a special fundraiser in Lindblom’s name.

“I was still in the hospital when they had a denim day at the bank,” recalls Lindblom. “People who donated at least five dollars could wear jeans. This March they did it again. They raised $350 last year and $600 this year, all of which was donated to the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center in my honor.”

Lindblom adds, “It was very humbling.

I’m usually the one who cares for everyone and here were all these people caring for me.”

Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust honors co-worker Kellie Lindblom, colon cancer survivor

Events like CRBT’s “Casual for a Cause” denim day help Nassif Community Cancer Center make a difference in the lives of cancer patients like Lindblom. Donations

support Nassif Community Cancer Center services, from free wellness programs for patients and their families to the Spirit Fund, which provides monetary support for transportation, food and other expenses for patients in need.

CRBT promoted “Casual for a Cause” on the bank’s Facebook page to help raise awareness of colorectal cancer and “to celebrate our dear friend and co-worker Kellie Lindblom.” This year’s post adds, “Today we celebrate with Kellie, as she is able to proudly declare that she is a survivor and cancer free.”

Donations to Nassif Community Cancer Center to honor a co-worker battling cancer or celebrate a survivor can take many forms. Businesses and employees can sponsor a photograph through “The Healing Power of Art,” sponsor a wellness class or creative art program or make a general donation in their co-worker’s name.

For more information on ways to give,

please call Danielle Rauser, development director, at (319) 369-8100.